In our commitment to serve New Hampshire with integrity and accountability, I stand firmly against Senate Bill 196-FN. This proposed legislation seeks to raise the threshold for competitive bidding exemptions from $500,000 to $1,000,000 for certain state projects.

Why does this matter? Competitive bidding ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, fostering transparency and fairness in government contracts. By doubling the exemption limit, we’re at risk of diminishing the oversight necessary for fiscal responsibility. This could lead to less cost-effective projects, potential favoritism, and a decrease in opportunities for our local businesses who often thrive under the current bidding system.

The fiscal note attached to the bill predicts a revenue drop for the Department of Administrative Services, which could strain our state’s budget. Moreover, it might encourage a scenario where public funds are managed without the necessary scrutiny, potentially opening doors to inefficiencies or worse, corruption.

As your Executive Councilor, I believe in enhancing, not weakening, the frameworks that keep our government accountable. We need to maintain a system where every dollar is scrutinized, and every contract is awarded with the utmost integrity.

I urge my fellow Granite Staters to join me in opposing Senate Bill 196-FN. Let’s continue to support policies that ensure our state’s resources are used in the best interest of all its citizens. Together, we can advocate for a transparent, fair, and efficient state government.